Innovative Groundwater-Enhanced Geothermal Heat Pump Study
Space and water heating and cooling consume 48% of all energy used in an average U.S. residence, and usually that energy is supplied by natural gas or fossil-fuel derived electricity. Geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy requirements for heating and cooling by up to 75%. However, traditional geothermal heat pumps are expensive and their performance is difficult to predict before installation. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are using this appropriation to develop, test, and demonstrate a novel geothermal heat pump technology that utilizes the heat exchange of groundwater flow to be more efficient, less space intensive, and less costly than current conventional geothermal systems. The technology has the potential to make geothermal heat pump systems have a faster payback period, resulting in more widespread use, and give geothermal a larger role in renewable energy production.
$196,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to analyze and validate a new geothermal pump method and technology that will reduce heat pump costs and improve performance and predictability. This appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
Click on Work Plan under Project Details.
Click on Work Plan under Project Details.